2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1971 Ford 17
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 405 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1971 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | 17 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 87 L |
